Excelling at XC!
Excelling at XC!
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 12/10/25–
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KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
12 October 2025
Before we start, the big announcement is that the Christmas Party will be held on December 6th at the Honor Oak Pub, and tickets are on sale now. See below for details and the link for tickets.
The cross country season opened yesterday with unseasonably warm weather, as it often does, on a flat course with firm footing which led to fast times and hard fought racing. Kent AC performed well, both men’s and women’s teams coming 3rd, and also a good turnout from the juniors, who continue to progress. In total we had 54 seniors and 13 juniors running. Full report below, well done to all the runners and to the team captains for whipping out such strong teams.
We also had runners in action further afield, the furthest being the Chicago Marathon, where Gian Valentini (3:13), Kayode Damali (3:36), Jo Wint (4:31) and Heather Castle (4:46) completed the race. Slightly closer to home, Richard Giles and Caoimhe nic Fhogartaigh ran the Budapest Marathon – Caoimhe came a remarkable 2nd woman in 2:53 with Richard just behind her!
In sunny Madeira they are currently holding the European Masters championships, at which we’ve had plenty of success largely due to our Masters world record holders Joe Appiah and Clare Elms. They’re at it again – Joe has already won a V50 gold in the 100mh and Clare won a silver in the W60 10000m. Joe also reached the semifinals of the M50 100m, and Clare has other events to come. In addition, Emily Murray is entered for the long jump and triple jump later this week.
Elsewhere, Jon Collier and Harry Tivnen ran the Manchester Half in 66:12 and 69:42, Sam Evans ran the Great Eastern Half in Peterborough in 71:29 and Catherine Kandie ran the Ashford 10k in 35:53.
Owen Hind writes: The first race of the cross country season was held yesterday at the new venue of Hurst Green. It felt like the whole village had turned out to support the event which led to a carnival atmosphere during the warm-ups and post race decompression.
Kent men came third on the day, helped by a great turnout of 35. The fast, twisting course favoured those who had spent a summer racing on the track rather than those preparing for an autumn marathon. For those out in front it was all over in 25 minutes or so and felt a long way from the upcoming strength based hills of Parliament Hill, Beckenham Place Park and Wimbledon. Making the top 20 yesterday will be a different skill to making the top 20 come January.
Owen was our first runner home, in 6th place behind a high quality field led by UK Champs 5000m silver medallist Jack Kavanagh. Dame Dibaba was our 2nd runner, and Cam Dockerill close behind him – we had 8 men running under 26 minutes for the 4.9 miles. The A team was 3rd overall, and the B team 4th among 2nd teams.
Chris Busaileh commented: ‘a geat result yesterday. We were beaten by two clubs who put real emphasis on today, turning out their absolute best and then some. With 10 to score over four races in five months, every club needs real strength in depth to compete until February. Pretty much all of our scoring 10 train at Ladywell across multiple groups, with more to sub in next race.’
Owen Hind said ‘coming in the top 10 at the Surrey League for the first time in six years feels like a relief. Training in such a strong group right now is moving everyone up a level in strength and fitness.’
Cam our third athlete home said his experience was ‘Worked well through the field with the other boys in blue; Noah, Rob and Nick before a classic sprint finish with Dame.’
Kent’s women also had a good day’s racing, with both A and B teams coming 3rd in their divisions. Amy Clements was 9th and Amelia Pettitt 14th on the 6k course.
Ellie Freeden, Aisling Ahern and Claire Oxlade completed our 1st team, and Nesrin Sabanci, Lin Skinner, Sarah Crichton, Charlotte Perfect and Teresa Murphy our 2nd.
The juniors had a great turnout too – Hugh, one of our juniors coaches, writes:
A fantastic start to the X-Country season for Kent AC juniors with a strong side out including plenty of debutants. Well done to Bonnie and Georgia in the u13 Girls, Mark and Sam in the u13 Boys. 4 brilliant runs to build on for the rest of the season.
Daria ran hard for the u15 girls as did Ed and Joel (another debut) with a special shout out to Luke who placed 7th for the u15 boys.
There was tough luck for Tallulah who was caught up in a tumble early doors, but Alice motored through the crowds for the u17 girls.
We had a great team performance for u17 boys with George, Bert (debut), Lucas and Harry placing well for a team 8th place.
Big credit to them all for running so well, great team spirit and kudos to many of them for cheering the men round with boisterous enthusiasm too!
🎄*Kent AC’s Christmas Party*🎄
Yes, it’s that time of year already! A highlight on the club calendar✨
Tickets are £15 including an arrival drink and buffet. Plus-ones very welcome!🥂
Purchase your tickets below ⬇️
https://kentac.sumupstore.com
The Agenda for the meeting will be circulated later.
Please also note that all Committee posts are up for election each year. While we no longer have any unfilled posts, any post can be contested at the AGM if properly nominated. A full list of committee members will be circulated two weeks prior to the AGM along with the agenda.
The meeting will be held in person and via videolink. Refreshments will be provided.
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
November
15 – Surrey League XC – Beckenham Place Park
18 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
22 – South of Thames 5 Mile XC – TBC
22 – Kent County Vets XC – Central Park, Dartford
29 – SEAA Masters XC – Horseden Hill, Greenford
December
20 – South of Thames Senior Champs 7.5 mile XC (including Club XC Champs) – Wimbledon Common
January
10 – Kent County XC – Brands Hatch
10 – Surrey League XC – Mitcham Common
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
March
29 – Southern 12 Stage Road Relay – Milton Keynes
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
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Buy your track pass here.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:45
Thursday 18:00 – 20:30
Sunday 09:00 – 11:30
Please note that individuals are permitted to do their own sessions during club opening times, but coached group sessions continue to take priority.
Track Pass – Juniors
Please purchase your £6.50 junior monthly track pass in advance here. When purchasing the track pass can parents/guardians please enter the athlete’s name when completing the transaction.
Please see a helpful FAQs guide here
The Alex Yee Arena has opening hours dedicated to the public. While during these times the Kent AC track pass is not valid, members can pay for an individual session.
Session times are:
Monday: 07:00 -15:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 1300 -1700
Friday: 07:00 – 15:00
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00-15:00
Price:
Adult resident: £2.70
Adult non resident: £3.00
Junior (U16): £1.30
The Kent AC track pass continues to be required for training on Tues/Thurs evenings and Sunday mornings.
Track staff have encouraged people to double check the opening hours before their training session, as they may occasionally be closed for school sport days and football friendlies. Hours can be checked here. This will likely suit members who can’t make training sessions but would like to train in the morning/lunchtime/evening.
Pay as you go fees can either be paid via cash to the desk or using the Better app (note: staff are working to add the sessions to the app).
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